Get your teen back into reading (and get to know them better in the process!)
So, apparently something happens when kids hit thirteen: they no longer like reading. In 2007, the National Endowment for the Arts published a report on reading that found, among other things, “Teens and young adults read less often and for shorter amounts of time when compared with other age groups and with Americans of the past” and “reading is declining as an activity among teenagers.”
A homebirth accompanied by birds
Everyone that came to the house the day of Miren’s birth remarked on the birds. I know that, in and of themselves, they have no meaning. But in my mind, they became a symbol of all that I had gained… and all that I now stood to lose.
Painting your son’s toenails and other crimes against society
Thanks to Meg for emailing us about the media debate currently raging over a J. Crew ad showing a designer painting her five-year-old son’s toenails pink.
Libraries are for everyone — even babies
Our local libraries are a treasure trove of community and fun. My daughter has found in our library a place filled with music, stories, games, crafts, puzzles, child-size furniture, picture-books, and other kids.
Is a rocking chair really that big of a deal?
Jaime’s got a question about rocking chairs — do you need one when you have a baby, or can you use a different kind of chair?
How we’re handling our surprise pregnancy
We were in what many people would consider a “dream” situation for a first child. My husband and I had been married for over two years, we own the place where we live and we both have reasonably stable jobs. Despite all of this, I was devastated to find myself pregnant. I felt totally unprepared for this major life change — like I had been cheated out of the second half of my twenties, like I hadn’t gotten enough time alone with my husband. I was numb for about 36 hours after we found out.
Is it possible to teach your kids about other religions without imposing your own beliefs?
We both agree that we want our children to be able to choose what works for them as far as a religion and beliefs go… but we’re not well-versed in other religions. Where should we begin?
Pumping and bottle-feeding saved us
Breastfeeding is awesome, but we sucked at it. Here’s how we got past that.